modernism

On June 20th the Queen Anne Historical Society provided it’s second modern tour. The Modern Tour started with a presentation by Jeff Murdock. Murdock is currently serving his second term on the City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board and Architectural Review Committee. Murdock presented the Queen Anne Pool, which was designed by Benjamin McAdoo & Co and completed in 1978. Murdock explained that the “construction of the building was controversial because it required the purchase and removal of ten homes, making it the most expensive Seattle Parks pool at $1.25 million.” The pool was a project in the second phase of McAdoo’s career and Murdock believes “his influence as an African American architect and activist for social change was significant in national as well as local contexts.” …Continue reading “Looking at Queen Anne’s Modern Sites”→

The Thiry Ensemble

The landmarked buildings form an integral part of what is known as the Thiry Ensemble, a complex of buildings designed by Seattle architect Paul Thiry for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. In addition to the Northwest Rooms and the International Fountain Pavilion, these include the KeyArena (formerly the Washington State Coliseum) and several international pavilions which no longer exist. The landmarked area also includes a surrounding corridor known as the International Plaza, with its fountains, stairways, planters, railings, and benches. However, the KeyArena has not yet (as of 2015) been designated as a City Landmark. …Continue reading “Northwest Rooms & International Fountain Pavilion”→

Thinking about history and growth of modern architecture on Queen Anne Hill and vicinity, I get to look back at all that with which I grew up, from the mid-1940s onward. My sister and I stood on a glacial boulder at the foot of the steps at Third Avenue North in front of our house (910 3rd Ave. N.). The boulder had been unearthed by the steam shovels which were quickly removing the hillside across the street to make way for an apartment complex, brick fronts, and comfortable units. About the same time, I watched the razing of the old Mercer School, which made way for the Seattle Public Schools Administration Building, a beautiful and eye-catching structure with many windows and a flagstone entrance. …Continue reading “1940’s & Beyond”→